Crystal Cruises Promotes Wellness Programs

Crystal Cruises is highlighting its wellness activities to appeal to its target market of well-healed, well-traveled and active guests on the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

“Wellness is important to our well-traveled guests,” says Daniel Kontler, Crystal Symphony’s fitness director. “Generally active, our guests want to continue their healthy lifestyles on vacation, and even learn something new.”

While wellness is very important to many Crystal guests, that wellness comes in a lot of different forms, Crystal’s vice president of public relations Mimi Weisband told TravelMarketReport.com.

“We estimate about 25%-30% of our guests use the gym. However, some folks who aren’t using the gym are using the full Promenade for walking and taking excursions that are active. Some are swimming in the pool and don’t use the gym.”

Weisband added that when the line introduces wellness programs, it is not always looking for volume. “We want people to have a personalized experience and sometimes we want to introduce them to something new that they will enjoy learning. Volume also isn’t important with the boutique excursions – some of them have only eight people.”

Weisband said that during a recent holiday cruise she was on, the fitness center was always busy, demonstrating fitness director Kontler’s point about the importance of wellness to Crystal cruisers. In addition to the obvious — such as cardio and weight equipment in a fully equipped gym offering dramatic ocean views — Crystal is highlighting shipboard activities that are geared toward wellness:

1. Walking or jogging around the 360-degree promenade deck. Crystal’s Walk on Water weighted vests or brand new Nordic Poles will help maximize a client’s workout. Golf lessons and paddle tennis are also available.
2. Fresh fruit is always available in the Bistro and freshly prepared salads are offered at the Trident Grill. All of Crystal’s cuisine is trans fat-free.
3. Clients can savor Nobu’s sushi and sashimi, or daily lighter fare entrees, provide a healthy alternative to richer dinner specialties.
4. Private training sessions are available from fitness staff.
5. There are always large complimentary bottles of water in staterooms and virtually anywhere else on board.
6. Crystal provides a complimentary aerobics or yoga class.
7. Detoxifying body wraps at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa cleanse the body.
8. Passengers can kayak, hike, snorkel or walk on Crystal Adventures ashore or explore on their own.
9. Swim laps in the large heated pool. 10. Heal and rejuvenate with onboard acupuncture treatments and shiatsu massages.

Additionally, three Mind, Body & Spirit Experiences of Discovery voyages aboard Crystal Symphony feature workshops and classes from experts in Tai Chi, yoga and general health and fitness, and Cleveland Clinic experts offer advice on select sailings.

For more information and Crystal reservations, visit http://www.crystalcruises.com.